However, according to current case law, parking tickets are not vouchers, but "official tokens": In contrast to vouchers, the validity of tokens ends accordingly (e.g. in accordance with the Parking Meter Levy Ordinance) either by being cancelled (ticked) or by being officially invalidated. As holders of parking tickets have the option of using them up within six months after a levy increase, the Austrian Ombudsman Board cannot find any maladministration in this.
The Administrative Court is also of the opinion that motor vehicle drivers can be expected to inform themselves sufficiently about the legal provisions that they must observe when driving a motor vehicle (including the parking fee regulations). They should therefore expect regular increases in the charge and the associated consequences. "According to the VwGH, the decision as to how many parking tickets drivers buy and in what amount is at their own discretion. However, the City of Vienna could be more accommodating and - as it has done in the past - also allow parking tickets to be returned," Ombudswoman Schwetz suggests a more citizen-friendly measure.
Picture credits: Wikimedia Commons